Biology
Learn about the foundations of life, discover the food chain on the seabed and how climate change affects animals and plants.
Programme description
How did life on Earth evolve? How does DNA code for important biological functions? What mechanisms make living organisms resist bacteria, viruses and parasites? These are some of the questions that biology seeks to answer.
As a student in biology at Nord University, you will learn about the foundations of life in the beautiful surroundings of Northern Norway. The bachelor’s programme in biology gives you a solid background that includes knowledge of physiology, genetic material, species diversity, chemical connections, as well as ecological and evolutionary processes. Increased knowledge and understanding of biological processes are therefore crucial to solve the future challenges of climate change, pollution, disease control and food production.
Career opportunities
The bachelor’s degree in biology gives you a solid background for a future career both in the private and the public sector, e.g. within the fields of conservation, sustainable development, marine resources and molecular biology. Relevant employment could be at environmental agencies, laboratories, companies and directorates. If you combine the programme with pedagogics, you can also work as a teacher in a high school or secondary school. If you choose to proceed with a master's degree, you can aim for more specialised jobs within scientific research and consulting.
In the third academic year, you can choose to go on a work placement in a company or organisation in Norway or abroad. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and to connect with potential future employers.
1. Higher education entrance qualification
2. English language proficiency
3. Financial capacity - non-EU/EEA applicants
4. Special requirements: Applicants for the Bachelor's programme in Biology must document previous studies in natural sciences at high school or university level:
- Mathematics R1/(S1+S2)
(Mathematics advanced subsidiary level)
Plus one of the following:
- Mathematics R1+R2
(advanced level)
- Physics 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Chemistry 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Biology 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Information Technology 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Geosciences 1 + 2 (advanced level)
- Technology and research subjects
1 + 2 (advanced level)
General admission and documentation requirements
Study permit(apply after admission)
Ever thought of spending part of your degree outside of Norway? We highly recommended our students to spend one or two semesters at one of our collaborating universities abroad. Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity to gain international experience, while allowing a broader selection of topics and courses. A study abroad complements your degree studies best in the third academic year. You can also spend the 15 weeks internship on a work placement abroad as part of your undergraduate studies.
The application deadline for exchange in the spring semester is 1 September and 20 January for the autumn semester. For more information on the process, please contact Jose de Pool, advisor for study exchange.
BSc in Biology qualifies for the Master of Biosciences at Nord University, or for Master of Science programmes at other institutions in Norway and abroad.
Master of Biosciences at Nord has the following specialisations:
- Aquaculture
- Genomics
- Livestock science
- Marine ecology
- Terrestrial ecology and nature management
Knowledge
The student should
- Be able to explain central theories, methods, and research areas in biology, especially within subject areas such as cell biology, genetics, evolution, species knowledge, ecology, and physiology.
- Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles of evolution and genetics, from Mendelian genetics to modern genomics techniques.
- Have insight into the molecular and cellular processes that underlie life, including DNA replication, gene expression, and cell division.
- Have knowledge about the diversity of life forms from unicellular organisms to vertebrates, and their ecological adaptations.
Skills
The student should
- Be able to use the subject’s methods and tools to investigate phenomena and solve practical and theoretical issues both in the laboratory and in the field, and be able to write simple reports from these.
- Be able to gather and evaluate information and critically assess primary and secondary information sources.
- Be able to use R as a statistical tool for simple data analysis.
General competence
The student should
- Be able to acquire and apply new knowledge within biology.
- Be able to analyze academic issues and data, and use academic terms and models.
- Be able to work independently and in groups.
- Be able to communicate biological knowledge to different target groups, both orally and in writing.
- Be able to perform professional work in accordance with good health, safety, and environment (HSE) practices.
Housing
StudentiNord is Nord University's student welfare organisation, and offers, amongst others, housing for our students in safe and secure conditions. Tenants at Studentinord enjoy affordable rent, no deposit, and janitors and housing consultants available for their service at any time. Living at a student home is probably the easiest way to get to know fellow students.
Living expenses
The estimated living cost for a student is stipulated to NOK 137 907,- per year (2023-24). In addition you may have costs related to insurance, travel, visa fees and eventual tuition fees.
Student welfare
StudentiNord offers a broad range of student welfare services, whether you are in need of medical service or someone to talk to, or maybe you want to engage in a student association or need to borrow sports equipment. Read more about their services:
Facilities at FBA
Noatun is our brand new faculty building in Bodø, finished in 2024. As a student, you can enjoy high-quality teaching facilities and advanced laboratories, framing a vibrant and future-oriented sciencific environment.
PIA, FF Prinsesse Ingrid Alexandra, is our top modern research vessel, owned by Nord University and Institute of Marine Research. At Nord, the vessel is used for educational and scientific excursions at sea.
If you do not have a permanent residency in Norway, but wish to stay in Norway to work after graduation, you can apply to UDI for a residence permit for work purposes. You should apply before your study permit expires.
Job seekers - UDI
Skilled workers - UDI
Costs for semester registration and course literature apply. In addition, it is assumed that students have a laptop with headset and camera. Students should expect to incur costs in the amount of NOK 4,000 in relation to field excursions.
Tuition fees
Students with citizenship from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland must pay tuition fees. This study programme lists as a category E, and the fee rate is NOK 160 000 per year.
Nord University does not offer scholarships or grants. You can find more information on tuition fees, payment details and exemptions on our website.
